ACCAN Grants Scheme

The ACCAN Grants Scheme funds projects which either undertake research on telecommunications issues, represent consumers or create educational tools which empower consumers to make decisions in their own interests and to understand telecommunications products and services.

Membership - Find your voice

We successfully work towards available, accessible and affordable communications. We need individuals and organisations that add expertise and support to Australia's peak telecommunications consumer organisation.

"This is a significant first step to ensuring all premises across the country have access to broadband services, capable of at least 25Mbps per second download and 5Mbps upload speeds."

Mr Mahar said the Coalition was glad to see other improvements to the Bill, which aim to stop the handballing of complaints between network and internet providers and to get complaints addressed more quickly.

"The bill also allows regional services to be funded sustainably and transparently into the future with the Regional Broadband Scheme.

Despite the positives in the Telco Reform Package, the Coalition continues to have concerns over the PC's proposal that nbn and mobile services should replace fixed-line telephone services.

“We do not agree with the PC’s view that mobile coverage outside the home is sufficient for rural areas,” Mr Mahar said.

“Many rural and regional consumers rely on these services to stay in touch with family, run businesses and stay connected during emergencies.

“Rural consumers should not have to climb to the top of buildings, walk to the end of their property or purchase elaborate and expensive repeater devices, to ensure they have voice services.”

Australian Communications Consumers Action Network (ACCAN) Chief Executive, Teresa Corbin said an ongoing commitment was needed to ensure adequate telephone services continued to be available in all premises, regardless of remoteness.

“The removal of the USO cannot be considered until the Government can prove that all premises have adequate coverage or alternative reliable telephone services.

“This includes providing consumers with the ability to challenge the coverage measures in their premises,” Ms Corbin said.

There are currently a number of telecommunication protections, which are currently under review. The Coalition is focussed on ensuring the establishment of a minimum standard for reliable telephone and broadband services, a review of consumer safeguards, as well as the publication of nbn’s network performance.

“The Coalition strongly encourages the Government to provide a road map to ensure no-one is left behind by the transformational changes underway,” Ms Corbin said.